Eagle Day Activities Abound in Missouri, Illinois in 2010

It's the end of December, and that means that the migrating bald eagles have arrived along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers from their northern homes. It is now time to get out and enjoy them in their winter habitat around the Missouri and Illinois state line. Since the revitalization of the bald eagle population, growing numbers of these majestic birds have been migrating to the Mississippi and Missouri River feeding grounds. Fortunately for natives and visitors in the river towns such as St. Louis, Alton, Clarksville, Grafton and others, finding bald eagles is not difficult.

Events planned by local organizations along the migration route add to the enjoyment. I have found that observing bald eagles, or other wildlife, in their natural surroundings is more fulfilling when I have some knowledge of what I see. Local programs are again available that combine education with informal observation and enjoyment of bald eagles in their winter homes. Some examples of these events are:

Eagle Meet and Greet - Alton Visitors Center

A Day in Eagle Country - Alton Visitors Center

Bald Eagle Days and Bald Eagle Festival - Pere Marquette State Park

Sample of Eagle Country Tours - Alton Visitors Center

Alton Sample of Eagle Country Tours at the National Great Rivers Museum

Eagle Days at the Columbia Bottom Confluence

Eagle Days at Clarksville (Lock and Dam 24 & Apple Shed Theater)

Locations known for their wintering bald eagle populations:

Hardin - On Route 100, cross the Joe Page Bridge in Hardin.

Pere Marquette State Park: The park is a popular home to eagles, which are often seen along the Illinois River banks and spotted from various scenic lookout points within the park.

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at Gilbert Lake: One half mile upriver from the
Brussels Ferry is Gilbert Lake. The trees out in the field often have eagles perched there.

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at Swan Lake: Ride across the Brussels Ferry into
Calhoun County and follow the signs to Swan Lake. The visitor center has scopes perfect for viewing eagles.

Brussels Ferry: Eagles are active near the Brussels Ferry, where they enjoy perching in the tall cottonwood trees along the river.

Palisades: The Palisades, near Raging Rivers, is yet another spot where eagles may be seen and photographed.

Great Rivers Park: Just 2.5 miles up river from Alton on the scenic byway (IL Rte. 100), Great Rivers Park is a safe place to pull off for excellent eagle viewing.

Melvin Price Locks & Dam #26: Eagles looking for fish can be seen soaring above the Locks & Dam. The National Great Rivers Museum offers indoor spotting scopes for viewing.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary: Designated as a National Audubon Society
Important Birding Area, eagles can be seen in the Ellis Bay refuge. Indoor spotting scopes are located at the Rivers Project Office.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: From the Lewis & Clark Historic Site, follow Rte. 3 south for 2 miles to Chain of Rocks Rd. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge makes an ideal platform for viewing eagles fishing and riding ice floes.

Check out these natural wonders during the bald eagle winter migration season December through early March, and be sure to thank the staff and volunteers for their service!

(Due to timeliness of the content, much of the event and viewing site information for this article came from directly from the Alton Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau).